The Red Hook Ferry to St. John: Schedules, Fares, and What to Expect
Getting to St. John means crossing water. The most common route is the passenger ferry from Red Hook on St. Thomas's eastern tip — a 20-minute crossing that runs roughly every hour for most of the day and costs $13 per person.
The details — where to park, when to arrive, how ticketing works, what the crossing is like — are what most travelers wish they'd read before arriving at the terminal for the first time. This guide covers all of it, in both directions.
Car and passenger ferry crossing the channel between St. Thomas and St. John, aerial view
Red Hook vs. Crown Bay: Which St. Thomas Terminal?
Red Hook is the primary ferry terminal for reaching St. John, but it is not the only one. Ferries also run from Crown Bay, near the St. Thomas airport, and from Charlotte Amalie, the capital's waterfront. Both of those terminals serve travelers who are already in town or who want to avoid the drive to Red Hook.
For most visitors arriving at Cyril E. King Airport and heading to St. John, Red Hook is the standard route. The drive from the airport to Red Hook takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. Crown Bay is closer to the airport, about 10 minutes away, but the ferry there runs less frequently and takes about 45 minutes to cross rather than 20. The time saved driving to Crown Bay is typically offset by the longer crossing and the reduced schedule. Red Hook's frequent departures and shorter crossing time make it the practical default for most travelers.
For a broader overview of all arrival options including car ferry logistics and private water taxis, our guide to how to get to St. John covers the full picture.
Schedule and Departure Times
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay passenger ferry runs from early morning until late at night, with departures roughly every hour. As of early 2025, departures from Red Hook run approximately every hour from around 5:30 a.m. through midnight, with return service from Cruz Bay on a similar schedule. Schedules shift seasonally; confirm current departure times at stjohnticketing.com or transportationservicesusvi.com.
In practice, there is enough frequency that missing one ferry is not a significant problem. The ferry you miss is rarely the last ferry. The exception is late at night: service thins out after 10 p.m., and the last crossing is typically around midnight. Travelers with late flights into St. Thomas should check the final departure time carefully and build in a buffer.
During peak season (December through April), ferries can fill. This is unusual on the passenger ferry — capacity is large enough that most visitors board without issue — but on holiday weekends and during events, waits of one or two ferries are possible. The car ferry is a separate, more constrained service and fills much more easily.
Fares for Passengers, Bags, and the Car Ferry
As of 2025, the standard passenger fare is $13 per person each way. Children ages 2 to 11 pay $3.50 each way. Seniors pay $6. Infants travel free. Each bag is charged separately at $4 per piece. Fares can change; confirm current rates at stjohnticketing.com.
Tickets can be purchased at the terminal before boarding. Some operators allow advance purchase online, which can be useful during high season to hold your spot. Cash and cards are accepted at the terminal.
The car ferry is a separate service also operating from Red Hook. As of 2025, Love City Car Ferries charges $50 one-way or $65 round trip for a vehicle, plus a government port fee of $3 to $4 per vehicle collected separately at the dock. Passengers are included with the vehicle fare. Car ferry reservations are advisable well in advance during peak season and require a separate booking from the passenger ferry. Current rates at lovecitycarferries.com. If you are renting a car on St. John rather than bringing one from St. Thomas, you avoid the car ferry entirely.
Driving from the Airport to Red Hook Terminal
Red Hook sits at the eastern end of St. Thomas, roughly 11 miles from the airport. The drive on the main island road takes 30 to 40 minutes under normal conditions. Traffic in St. Thomas can be unpredictable, particularly on weekday mornings and around cruise ship arrivals, so building extra time into the drive is worth doing.
Parking at the Red Hook terminal is available in a structured lot and in additional surface lots across the street. The official terminal lot charges by the hour: $4 for the first hour, with rates rising to $15 per 24-hour period. Alternative lots nearby charge roughly $10 per day and some provide shuttles to the dock. For travelers leaving a car in St. Thomas while spending time on St. John, the $10-per-day options are the practical choice. Current parking rates at viport.com.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before your intended departure is sensible. This allows time to park, find the terminal, purchase tickets if you have not done so in advance, and board without rushing. On busy days in high season, 45 minutes provides more comfortable margins.
The 20-Minute Crossing: What to Expect Onboard
The passenger ferry is an open-air boat with covered seating and a forward deck. The crossing from Red Hook to Cruz Bay takes approximately 20 minutes and is calm through most of the year. Between November and April, winter trade winds can make the channel choppier, particularly in the afternoon. If you are prone to motion sensitivity, sitting toward the center of the boat and keeping your eyes on the horizon helps. The crossings are short enough that most people manage fine regardless.
Luggage goes in a designated area near the bow. Load and unload your own bags. There are no porters on the ferry. For families with strollers or travelers with significant gear, knowing this in advance makes the boarding process smoother.
Tickets are checked before boarding. Have yours ready. The loading process is informal but orderly, and staff direct passengers efficiently.
After You Arrive in Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay harbor from above — the ferry dock sits at the town waterfront.
The ferry deposits you at the Cruz Bay dock, the island's only arrival point. The dock is steps from the town center, where taxis, rental car agencies, and a grocery store are all within easy reach.
If you have arranged a rental car on St. John, the agency is typically a short walk from the dock. If you are taking a taxi to your accommodation, the taxi stand is directly at the dock with fixed zone rates. Most villa managers can also arrange transfers if you coordinate in advance.
For guests heading to Great Cruz Bay and Indo House, the drive from the Cruz Bay dock is about five minutes. The South Shore neighborhoods are among the closest to the ferry — one of the practical advantages of staying on this side of the island. For a broader sense of what awaits on arrival, our guide to Cruz Bay covers the town and its place on the island. For help choosing where to stay, our guide to where to stay on St. John covers the neighborhoods and their tradeoffs.
Planning Your Departure Day
The return crossing from Cruz Bay to Red Hook follows the same schedule and fares. On departure day, the same timing advice applies in reverse: leave your accommodation early enough to reach the dock with buffer, account for the crossing time, and add the 30-to-40-minute drive from Red Hook to the airport on top.
Most travelers heading home from St. John via St. Thomas airport should allow at least two and a half to three hours between leaving their accommodation and their flight departure. This covers the drive to the Cruz Bay dock, the crossing, the drive across St. Thomas to the airport, and the standard check-in process. For early morning flights, the ferry schedule starts early enough that this is manageable, but it requires getting up and moving before sunrise.
The first ferry in the morning and the last ferry in the evening define the usable window of a day trip from St. Thomas. If you are spending a longer stay on St. John and want to plan your time on the island, our guide to things to do on St. John covers activities worth building your schedule around.
Guests staying at Indo House who want a last-morning swim before departing have time for it. The math on most itineraries allows a final breakfast at the property, a quick swim in Great Cruz Bay, and still an early enough start to make any afternoon or evening flight from St. Thomas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does the Red Hook ferry run to St. John?
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay passenger ferry runs approximately every hour from about 5:30 a.m. through midnight. Service is most frequent during the middle of the day; late-night crossings thin out after 10 p.m.
How long is the ferry ride from Red Hook to St. John?
The crossing from Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John takes approximately 20 minutes. Return service from Cruz Bay to Red Hook is the same duration.
How much does the Red Hook ferry to St. John cost?
As of 2025, the standard adult fare is $13 each way. Children ages 2 to 11 pay $3.50; seniors pay $6; infants travel free. Each checked bag costs $4. Confirm current rates at stjohnticketing.com.
Can I bring a car on the ferry from Red Hook to St. John?
Yes, but the car ferry is a separate service from the passenger ferry. Love City Car Ferries operates vehicle crossings from Red Hook. As of 2025, rates are $50 one-way or $65 round trip for a vehicle, plus port fees. Car ferry spots fill quickly in high season; advance reservations are strongly advisable.
Where do I park at the Red Hook ferry terminal?
The official terminal lot charges $4 for the first hour and up to $15 per 24-hour period. Several alternative surface lots within walking distance charge approximately $10 per day and some run shuttle service to the dock. For multi-day stays on St. John, the off-terminal lots are the practical choice.
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